PAC-12 Basketball: 2020-21 breakout candidates from each team

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 15: A Pac-12 basketball logo is displayed on the court before a semifinal game of the Pac-12 basketball tournament between the Colorado Buffaloes and the Washington Huskies at T-Mobile Arena on March 15, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JANUARY 18: C.J. Walker #14 of the Oregon Ducks (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Oregon Ducks: CJ Walker

After a freshman season of averaging just four points and less than three rebounds by shooting just 38 percent from the field, 2020-21 is going to be a breakout season for CJ Walker. Before the 2019-20 season unceremoniously came to a conclusion, Oregon Basketball had one ceremony as the Pac-12 Regular Season Champions. A major contributor to the 13-5 season was senior point guard Payton Pritchard who averaged over 20 points, four rebounds, and five assists, but the contribution of fellow seniors Anthony Matha (8.5 PPG) and Shakur Juiston (8 PPG) should not be overlooked.

It is the departure of Juiston that is going to lead Coach Dana Altman to give Walker the minutes he needs in order to break out as a sophomore. Not only is the 6’8 200 pound Walker suitable to replace the 6’7, 225 Juiston in Coach Altman’s “Spread Offense”, he actually did for seven games while Juiston was out with an injury. Now that Juiston has graduated, CJ Walker will be the permanent replacement.

Juiston made the most of his opportunities, despite his usage rate is about five percent lower than Walker, Juiston averaged four more points. Juiston averaged seven shots a game, all while playing with PAC-12 Player of the Year Payton Pritchard who concluded 28 percent of the plays he was on the floor for.

Walker will get a lot more touches and finishes from the ‘Spread Offense” as the big men set the foul line screen for him to receive a pass in the paint off a face cut. With more minutes than he has ever played, and more shots than Juiston ever shot, Walker, will have no trouble breaking out of his four and three average to ten and six as a sophomore.

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